Friday, Oct 13 – Sunday, Oct 15

FORT LIGONIER DAYS – October 13-15 – Visit Ligonier for our annual three-day festival, commemorating the historic Battle of Fort Ligonier which occurred in 1758. At the Fort, you will hear the roar of the cannons, meet British and French troops, and enjoy living history demonstrations throughout the weekend! (Regular admission fees.)

Timeline

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From Wikipedia: “Outside the fort [James Burd] had stationed a number of men to guard supplies and others to guard the expedition’s animals as they grazed, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the fort. These guards, who were widely dispersed, suffered the brunt of the French and Indian attack.”

From Fort Ligonier website states it was Lt Col George Mercer’s men in the Friendly Fire incident with George Washington’s men, but the Mt Vernon websites states it is Hugh Mercer, not George Mercer.

At dusk on November 12, Colonel George Washington, then 26 years of age, led on foot a detachment of 500 Virginia soldiers from Fort Ligonier. Shortly afterward, Lieutenant Colonel George Mercer led an additional 500 men by a different route. The two leaders planned to surround a force of 140 French and Native American warriors which, they believed, was trying to steal the British army’s cattle and horses. Three prisoners were captured; the rest withdrew to Fort Duquesne, 50 miles to the west.

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Soon, the two Virginia units encountered each other in the darkness, and, mistaking each other for the enemy, engaged in friendly fire that killed or left missing 38 soldiers and two officers. Intelligence gathered from the prisoners indicated that Fort Duquesne was weak.

Or did this flag (below) fly over Fort Ligonier?

This flag is alleged to have been found at Fort Ligonier.

See more on this:

2017 events and programs

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Friday, Apr 28

Fort Ligonier Annual Meeting – The Annual Meeting for members of the Fort Ligonier Association will be held in the new Center for History Education on Friday, April 28, 2017. Reception at 6:00 PM, Program at 7:00 PM. $25 per person.

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Saturday, Apr 29

Fort Ligonier Opens for the 2017 Season – Fort Ligonier historic site and museum will open on Saturday, April 29. Please note that new exhibit galleries will still be under construction, but you may have the opportunity for a “sneak peek” while in the museum!

Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28

18th Century Military History Weekend – Step into history as the detachment of the 8th PA Regiment and troops from “Seven Years War, Inc.” encamp at Fort Ligonier throughout the weekend! Experience the 18th century, meet soldiers and officers, and see living history and tactical demonstrations. Regular admission fees apply.

Friday, Oct 13 – Sunday, Oct 15

FORT LIGONIER DAYS – October 13-15 – Visit Ligonier for our annual three-day festival, commemorating the historic Battle of Fort Ligonier which occurred in 1758. At the Fort, you will hear the roar of the cannons, meet British and French troops, and enjoy living history demonstrations throughout the weekend! (Regular admission fees.)

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2016 events and programs

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Sunday, Feb 21

Walking in Washington’s Footsteps – Hear wild tales of wonder, see what Washington saw traveling into the unknown frontier now known as Western Pennsylvania, and learn about his interaction with colorful characters during this special presentation by Jason Cherry, reenactor, author, and portrayer of young George Washington. Program begins at 2 PM in the Fort Ligonier Museum. Suggested donation: $5/person.
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Friday, Apr 01

Opening Day – Fort Ligonier will reopen for the 2016 season on Friday, April 1.
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Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29

18th Century Military History – Hear the cannons roar as the Detachment of the 8th PA Regiment and troops from “Seven Years War, Inc.” encamp throughout the weekend. See and experience the 18th century, meet soldiers and officers and see living history and tactical demonstrations.
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Tuesday, Aug 02 – Thursday, Aug 11

Can you dig it? – See an active archaeological excavation take place at Fort Ligonier during the Juniata College Field School on the grounds of historic Fort Ligonier!
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Saturday, Sep 03 – Sunday, Sep 04

Living History Weekend – Activities and demonstrations including candle dipping and 18th century cooking. Meet the people of the 18th century including a British officer, a laundress and regimental tailor. 10 AM – 4 PM, Saturday (9/3); 11 AM – 4 PM, Sunday (9/4)
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Friday, Oct 14 – Sunday, Oct 16

FORT LIGONIER DAYS – October 14, 15, 16 – Step into history as Ligonier commemorates the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier during this amazing annual town-wide three-day festival!

Good overview of events for the Fort Ligonier Days:

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LAST YEAR’S EVENTS

May 23-24, 2015

18th Century Military History

Hear the cannons roar as 100 troops will be encamped throughout the weekend. See and experience a variety of living history programs, drills and artillery demonstrations.

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“Walking in Washington’s Footsteps” — Sunday, February 21 at 2 PM

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Hear wild tales of wonder, see what George Washington saw traveling into the unknown frontier now known as Western Pennsylvania, and learn about his interaction with colorful characters during this special presentation by Jason Cherry, reenactor, author and portrayer of young Washington. Suggested donation: $5/person.

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Thursday, Jan 15

“Why America Is Free” Program – A 12-week, in-depth study of the 18th century for home school students in grades 4-12. Will meet on Thursdays, 9 AM – Noon, January 15 through April 9. A few spaces are still available to participate in this unique, hands-on learning experience. Call Fort Ligonier’s Education Department for registration information, 724-238-9701.
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Saturday, Mar 07

Volunteer Open House – We want YOU! Recruiting volunteers to assist with museum tours, events and activities for the 2015 season. Stop in and learn about these opportunities. Can’t make it on Saturday, March 7? Call for an application – 724-238-9701.
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Wednesday, Apr 01

Facts or Fools? – 7:00 – 8:30 PM – Find the myths and mistakes during this unique, fun “April Fool’s Day” tour experience, where the objective is to determine the truth – or be a fool! Call 724-238-9701 to make your reservation. $8 per person. (Recommended for those 21 and older.)
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Monday, Apr 13

Home School Day – Special educational programs for home school students and families. Advance registration required.
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Friday, May 08

Annual Membership Meeting – Member reception at 6 PM, followed by an annual update and presentation by guest speaker, historical artist John Buxton. Invitations have been mailed to members of the Fort Ligonier Association.
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Monday, Jun 15 – Sunday, Jun 19

Friday, Jun 19

A Taste of History – 5:30 – 7:30 PM A casual evening with friends at the Fort! Enjoy bread baking demonstrations by Ed Tutino, great music provided by Joe Golden and Pat Petrarca and refreshments. $8.00/members of the Fort Ligonier Association; $12.00/non-members
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Saturday, Jun 27

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Concert – The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra concert, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, June 27, has been cancelled due to the severe weather forecast.
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Friday, Aug 28

A Taste of History – 5:30 – 7:30 PM A casual evening with friends at the Fort! Pizza-baking demonstrations in our field ovens by Sharon Detar, refreshments, and great music by Joe Golden and Pat Petrarca. $8.00/members; $12.00/non-members
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Monday, Sep 14

Home School Day – “The Game of Life – 1758” Special programs for home school students and families. Learn about life as an officer, as a Native American, French fur trader, camp follower, sutler and more. Doors open at 9:45 AM. Advance registration required. $8/person by September 8; $10/person after the 9/8 deadline.
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Tuesday, Sep 22

Home School Day – “The Game of Life – 1758” Special programs for home school students and families. Learn about life as an officer, as a Native American, French fur trader, camp follower, sutler and more. Doors open at 9:45 AM. Advance registration required. $8/person by September 8; $10/person after the 9/8 deadline.
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Friday, Oct 09

Colonial Costume Contest – Judging of the Fort Ligonier Days Colonial Costume Contest for children in grades K through 5 will take place in the Fort Ligonier Museum on Friday at 3:00 PM. Prizes will be awarded: 1st Place – $300; 2nd Place – $200; 3rd Place – $100. Thanks to Fort Ligonier Days, Inc. for sponsoring this event and providing the prizes.
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Saturday, Oct 10

FORT LIGONIER DAYS – Saturday – Visit British and French camps, see 18th century cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, and a regiment of artificers. Cannon firings at 1:30 and 3:30 PM; battle demonstrations at 2 and 4 PM. Open 9 AM – 5 PM. Regular admission fees. $10/adults; $6/kids 6-16; Free/kids 5 & under, members of Fort Ligonier Assoc., active military and veterans.
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Sunday, Oct 11

FORT LIGONIER DAYS – Sunday – Visit British and French camps and see 18th century cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations. At 12:30 PM, attend Lieutenant Jocelyn’s funeral in the British Camp. Cannons will fire at 1 and 3 PM; battle demonstrations at 1:30 and 3:30 PM. Open 9:30 AM – 5 PM. Regular admission fees.
Sunday, Oct 11

Meet the Author – Matt Wulff – Matt Wulff, author of “Henry Bouquet’s Destiny: The March to Bushy Run,” will be in Fort Ligonier’s Museum Store on Sunday, October 11, from 11 AM – 4 PM, for book signings.
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Thursday, Oct 22

Fall Lecture Series – 6:30 PM – Dick Phillips, author of “Arthur St. Clair: The Invisible Patriot,” will discuss the interesting life of Arthur St. Clair, who was caretaker of Fort Ligonier after it was decommissioned in 1766. No fee to attend.
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Thursday, Oct 29

Fall Lecture Series – 6:30 PM – Sam Napoleon, Owner of Gatti Napoleon Tailoring, and Justin Meinert, Living History Program Coordinator at Fort Pitt Museum will present, “Recreating the 60th Royal American Regiment Uniform.” No fee to attend.
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Friday, Oct 30

Horrors of History – 7:00 PM – An interactive program on death, dying and disease in the 18th century. Recommended for those 13 years and older. $13 per person. Advance reservations are required. Call 724-238-9701.
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Saturday, Nov 07

Last Day of Regular Operating Hours – Fort Ligonier and the Museum will be closed for the 2015-16 winter months.
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Intersection of U.S. and PA Route 711

200 South Market Street

Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658

2014 Admission Prices

Adult:

$10.00

Child (age 6-16)

$6.00

Child (age 5 and under)

FREE

Senior Citizens and Students (ages 17-21) are $8.00. Active members of the Military are FREE. Price includes admission to all galleries and exhibits in the museum and the fort area. Tours are self-guided.

Prices for Group Tours and Programs vary and reservations must be made in advance by contacting the Education Department.

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Fort Ligonier timeline.

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October 12, 1758 —While the fort was still under construction, the Battle of Fort Ligonier was fought; the four-hour assault resulted in a French defeat. The French forces attempted to attack again at nightfall, but were forced to retreat by mortar fire from the fort.

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November 12, 1758 —The command of Col. Forbes ran across another squad of De Vitri’s French troops lurking around Fort Ligonier. The British attacked, killing one and taking three prisoners. One of the prisoners turned out to be an Englishman who had been taken from his home in Lancaster County by anti-British Native Americans. His information concerning the weak condition of Fort Duquesne was corroborated by that of the French prisoners. Forbes therefore resolved to push forward to capture Fort Duquesne.

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November 12, 1758 —FRIENDLY FIRE INCIDENT. DEADLY. Units led by George Washington (1st Virginia) and Lieutenant Colonel George Mercer (2nd Virginia) accidentally engaged each other in heavy fog and at night. Two officers and 38 men were killed or wounded.

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November 1758 —4,000 troops encamped at the fort, making Ligonier the second-largest community in Pennsylvania.

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November 25, 1758 —Forbes captured Fort Duquesne. March 1766—Fort Ligonier was abandoned after the conclusion of the French and Indian War.